Popping noise from chains on WD hitch

[Bilcin]

I have a Trunnion style WD Hitch, Reese PART NUMBER: 66541 with 800 lb spring bars. When ever I turn to the left or right, no matter how slight a turn, I hear a popping noise from the chains (like the chains are binding). The dealer who installed the hitch says this is normal. The noise wasn't there on the ride home after installation or the ride to my first trip. On the way home (120 mile roung trip) after I got off of the highway and making the first turn onto street, the popping noise started. I took to dealer, he observed this noise and said it was normal? Is this correct, am I damaging anything or voiding the warranty? My tounge weight of trailer trip ready is 804 pounds.

Bill

[Terier]

Originally Posted by Bilcin

I have a Trunnion style WD Hitch, Reese PART NUMBER: 66541 with 800 lb spring bars. When ever I turn to the left or right, no matter how slight a turn, I hear a popping noise from the chains (like the chains are binding). The dealer who installed the hitch says this is normal. The noise wasn't there on the ride home after installation or the ride to my first trip. On the way home (120 mile roung trip) after I got off of the highway and making the first turn onto street, the popping noise started. I took to dealer, he observed this noise and said it was normal? Is this correct, am I damaging anything or voiding the warranty? My tounge weight of trailer trip ready is 804 pounds.

Bill

I don't have the same equipment but I will get noise when turning if my anti-swag is too snug or tight. I don't think mine is a popping noise but more like a grinding, squealing or contact noise depending on setting and turning ratio.

If you could post a picture then the more experience members can see how you have it set up.

[Bilcin]

Sorry, forgot to mention, I get this popping noise with or without the swaybar attached, I thought that was the problem but it wasn't. I read their tech tips page and I am supposed to put a drop of oil into the sockects (top and bottom), but nothing about the chains.

Bill

[mtnguy]

I have the Reese 800 lb. bars attached to the Dual Cam system. If my system didn't do the Rice Crispy sounds when I turned, I would have to back and check out if the bars are still there.

If you are using the Dual Cam system, you can quiet it somewhat by using Vaseline where the bars meet the cams. Also, grease the spring bars at the assembly head, but do not use grease on the cams.....only Vaseline.

[Terier]

Originally Posted by mtnguy

I have the Reese 800 lb. bars attached to the Dual Cam system. If my system didn't do the Rice Crispy sounds when I turned, I would have to back and check out if the bars are still there.

Originally Posted by mtnguy

If you are using the Dual Cam system, you can quiet it somewhat by using Vaseline where the bars meet the cams. Also, grease the spring bars at the assembly head, but do not use grease on the cams.....only Vaseline.

Why only Vaseline? Just curious... I'm learning a lot in my RV journey

[Bilcin]

Originally Posted by mtnguy

I have the Reese 800 lb. bars attached to the Dual Cam system. If my system didn't do the Rice Crispy sounds when I turned, I would have to back and check out if the bars are still there.

If you are using the Dual Cam system, you can quiet it somewhat by using Vaseline where the bars meet the cams. Also, grease the spring bars at the assembly head, but do not use grease on the cams.....only Vaseline.

Mtnguy, thanks, so this IS a common noise and I should not lose any sleep over it. Thanks for your imput!

[mtnguy]

Originally Posted by Terier

Why only Vaseline? Just curious... I'm learning a lot in my RV journey

I am not sure, exactly. My understanding that grease will make it too slippery, negating some of the sway control.

[flyrotor]

If it is the chains it is normal, as the trailer turns, the WD bars move, the trailer, hitch, and bars are all fixed attachments. The variable here are the chains, the noise comes from the links of the chain slipping against each other (as they should). You could try some WD 40 on the links of the chain to allow them to slip more naturally, WD40 on the links will not affect or deter from the performance of the chains, it should quiet them somewhat.

[The_Stuff]

oil of some sorts on the chains and use will make the sounds go away.

[jackhartjr]

That noise is perfectly normal, like one poster said, if I don't hear popping in a turn, I feel something is wrong!LOL
Jack